Rubio: Iran Signaling New Flexibility on Nuclear Program

by | Jun 3, 2026 | News

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Tuesday that Iran has expressed willingness to negotiate aspects of its nuclear program it previously refused to discuss. “There is the prospect before us, which could happen today, tomorrow, or next week,” he said, while cautioning that no deal is guaranteed.

Rubio said any sanctions relief would be tied entirely to nuclear concessions, and that Iran must fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has blocked since the US-Israel campaign against Iran began in late February. “The more they give, the more they would get,” he said.

He also noted that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since being reportedly wounded in February, appears to be engaging more directly in negotiations — though only through written communications and intermediaries.

Trump denied Iranian media reports that Tehran had severed contact with mediators, writing on Truth Social that talks have continued daily. Iranian state media said Tehran is reviewing a proposed interim agreement but is proceeding cautiously given longstanding mistrust of US commitments.

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